I don’t remember where I found this quote by Marianne Williamson, so I don’t remember the context from which it came, but when I read it now, in the context of self-image and compassion, I find her argument flawed. It’s no wonder, she bases her entire argument on the idea that we are children of God. While I agree, I don’t think her argument is related.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson

I think it would be wonderful to embrace the “brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous” me with all conviction and honesty, but what if I’m not? What if I’m wrong? How would I know I’m a monster, unless I look to my shadow, recognize that the darkest parts of me are scary, and cringe.

I do worry about my humanity, my compassion. I worry about whether or not I worry enough about my compassion. Yes, I sometimes feel inadequate as a human being. Yes, I sometimes wonder if I could bring more caring energy into this world. But if I’m wrapped in an insoluble shroud of brilliant light I won’t save myself, nor anyone else, from being a monster. I’ll blind myself by my own brilliance.

I can only know light when I stand in darkness. I can only know God if I choose to see all.